Explore "La Bella Italia" from the Eternal City to "La Serenissima"...

If you've never been to Italy and don't know where to begin, this sample itinerary will get you familiar with the overall experience of La Bella Italia! Enjoy the rich culture and history associated with the three major Italian cities of Rome, Florence, and Venice, while also getting a feel for the slower-paced Tuscan countryside. This is the perfect introduction to Italy; thus we call it "Italy 101"!

DAY 1: DEPART USABuon viaggio! Dinner and a movie aloft as you make your way to Rome on the overnight flight!

DAY 2: ROME [INTRODUCTORY SIGHTS]Arrive in Rome, where you will be met for the transfer to your centrally located hotel. Detailed private sightseeing this afternoon of the main spots in central Rome, including the Colosseum and the Forum, as well as Michelangelo's Moses Statue at St. Peter in Chains and the Pantheon. Restaurant suggestions will be provided.DAY 3: ROME [VATICAN MUSEUMS - SISTINE CHAPEL & BASILICA]Daily breakfasts in each of your hotels. Early morning guided visit to the Vatican Museums, which house the Raphael Rooms and the Sistine Chapel. Continue on for a visit to the main Basilica of Saint Peter including Michelangelo's Pietà and Bernini's Baldacchino. Free time in the afternoon will give you a chance to climb to the top of the cupola of St. Peters, explore vibrant Trastevere, or visit the Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, and the Trevi Fountain.DAY 4: ROME - CHIANTI [TUSCANY]Retrieve your rental car, then drive into Tuscany, possibly stopping in Orvieto or Todi in Umbria along the way north to your hotel in the Chianti region.

DAYS 5 AND 6: CHIANTIFree days to explore and enjoy the Tuscan countryside. Possible day trips include Siena, San Gimignano, Monteriggioni, Cortona, charming Chianti, and more! How about a cooking class one day, or a guided tour through Siena? The possibilities are endless!

DAY 7: CHIANTI - FLORENCESome time in the morning for any last-minute visits in Tuscany before dropping off your rental car in Florence and checking into your hotel. The afternoon is at your leisure to explore the many leather, jewelry, and gelato shops.

DAY 8: FLORENCE [INTRODUCTORY SIGHTS]Detailed private sightseeing through the City of the Medici seeing the Duomo, Basilica of Santa Croce, Ponte Vecchio, the Academy Gallery, and the Uffizi Gallery. Free afternoon to visit Palazzo Pitti, the Bargello, or the Medici Chapels.

DAY 9: FLORENCE - VENICE [INTRODUCTORY SIGHTS]Train ride this morning into Venice, where you'll meet your motorboat man for the transfer to your hotel. This afternoon, detailed sightseeing through La Serenissima! See Saint Mark's Square and the Basilica, Doge's Palace, the Bridge of Sighs, the Rialto Bridge, and more! Gondola ride this evening, anyone?DAY 10: VENICE - USATransfer to the airport now for your home-bound flights. Same-day arrival in the USA. Welcome home!

More time to travel? You could stay longer in any of the cities to get a more in-depth feel for Italian living! Or, why not explore the charming countryside of the Umbrian region with visits to St Francis' home of Assisi, the chocolate-lovers' paradise of Perugia, hilltop Orvieto... You could flip the Itinerary around and add seaside Naples, the Amalfi Coast, or upscale Capri... We will gladly adapt your itinerary to include your desires!